President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Threats of a revolutionary government “cheapen the gallantry and sacrifices” of the country’s heroes, the Liberal Party (LP) said on Thursday.
On Bonifacio Day, the LP issued an appeal to the Duterte government to “categorically state” that it would not declare a revolutionary government to “once and for all lay to rest the apprehension of the people.”
“Such talks or threats by top government officials cheapen the gallantry and sacrifices of our heroes, who have fought for self-determination and social order, freedom and democracy now being enjoyed by Filipinos,” it said.
The LP, backed by the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, said President Duterte seemed to have an intention to confuse the people with his inconsistent remarks on revolutionary government.
“There seems to be an intention to confuse the public with mixed messages. There are various pronouncements about a revolutionary government which in turn are further muddled when interpreted by his spokespersons,” it said.
The then ruling party said that placing the country under a revolutionary government is “not an option under the Constitution, unless the real intention is an authoritarian rule, which will bring us back to the dark ages.”
“This Bonifacio Day, let us be aware of the difference between true and fake heroes, especially because the dictator’s remains are sullying the memory and sacrifices of the real heroes buried at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani,” she said.
Duterte, sometime in October, first floated the idea of forming a revolutionary government if ever “your destabilization is worsening and it is becoming chaotic.”
Duterte was referring to the alleged destabilization plots by the Communist groups, as well as the “yellows” or the allies of Liberal Party and the Aquino administration.
But last Tuesday, Duterte rejected calls to establish a revolutionary government. /je